Hepatitis A is the single most commonly recommended travel vaccine for Canadians — and for good reason. It's spread through contaminated food and water, it can leave you bedridden for weeks, and it's completely preventable with a simple injection. At Imagine Health Pharmacy in SW Calgary, we administer Hepatitis A vaccine to travellers headed all over the world. Here's everything Calgary residents need to know.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection transmitted primarily through the consumption of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Unlike Hepatitis B or C, it does not cause chronic liver disease — but the acute illness can be severe:
- Fatigue and weakness lasting weeks to months
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Fever and dark urine
Adults tend to have more severe symptoms than children. In rare cases — particularly in older adults or those with pre-existing liver conditions — Hepatitis A can be life-threatening. There is no specific treatment; recovery depends on rest and time.
Who Needs the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
The short answer: almost every international traveller. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for travel to most of the world outside Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Japan. This includes virtually all of:
- Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (Cuba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic)
- South America (including popular destinations like Colombia, Peru, and Brazil)
- Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia)
- South Asia (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka)
- Africa (all regions)
- The Middle East
- Eastern Europe and parts of Southern Europe
Beyond travel, the vaccine is also recommended for people with chronic liver disease, food service workers, and those in close contact with someone who has Hepatitis A. See our Mexico destination page for an example of how Hep A fits into a complete travel health plan.
How Does the Hepatitis A Vaccine Work?
The Hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective and well-tolerated:
- First dose — provides approximately 95%+ protection starting about 2 weeks after injection; you can receive it as close as 2 weeks before travel
- Second dose (booster) — given 6–12 months after the first dose; provides lifetime protection
- Twinrix — a combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine, given in 3 doses over 6 months (or accelerated schedule over 21 days with a booster at 12 months)
Common side effects are mild: soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fatigue for a day or two. Serious allergic reactions are very rare.
Do You Already Have Immunity?
If you were born before 1945, grew up in a country where Hepatitis A was common, or received the vaccine previously, you may already be immune. A simple blood test (anti-HAV antibody titre) can confirm immunity and potentially save you the cost of vaccination. Ask our pharmacists whether a titre test makes sense for you.
Get Your Hepatitis A Vaccine at Imagine Health Pharmacy in SW Calgary
No doctor's referral needed. Walk-ins are welcome, though we recommend booking ahead to ensure vaccine availability. Our travel-trained pharmacists at Imagine Health Pharmacy in SW Calgary will confirm whether Hepatitis A is the right choice for you, administer the vaccine, and answer all your questions — all at no charge for the consultation itself.
Visit our travel health clinic to learn more and book your appointment today.
Book Your Free Travel Consultation
Imagine Health Pharmacy is SW Calgary's travel health clinic. Free consultation — no doctor referral needed. We'll build your complete protection plan in one visit.
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